The Elephant and the Sheep by Patricia Furstenberg – Book Review
The Elephant and the Sheep by Patricia Furstenberg – Book Review
The Elephant and the Sheep
Author – Patricia Furstenberg
Pages – 27
Released – 2nd November 2017
ISBN-13 – 978-1973206521
Format – ebook, paperback
Reviewer – Jodie
I received a free copy of this book
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With poetic rhymes this striking picture book about the love and the simple kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with fans of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
When a lamb meets an elephant calf the two are happy to share a small patch of grass and a tiny water puddle available during the Big-Bad Thirst. None notices how different their bodies are, as the two are happy to spend their days together. Soon the sheep wishes that he, too, would arrive first at their meeting place and so he wakes up earlier and earlier each day. But no matter how hard he tries he cannot arrive before the elephant – because the elephant never left their tree, not having a home of his own. The sheep invites friend elephant to join her and her flock so that he will also have a family.
Inspired by the true story of Themba, the orphan elephant and Albert the good-hearted sheep that adopted him and cuddled him, the two remaining log-life best friends, “The Elephant and the Sheep” is a hymn to innocence and unconditional love, a read that is sure to warm up everyone’s heart.
Review
Inspired by the true story of a sheep named Albert who adopted an orphaned baby elephant named Themba. They now live in a nature reserve in South Africa.
In the story we are introduced to Albert the sheep and Themba the elephant. They meet at the watering hole every day during the Big Bad Thirst. Each day the rain doesn’t come. Despite the drought they frolic and play games together. They share food and laughter, and enjoy each other’s company.
Themba gets to the watering hole first every day. Albert wonders how Themba manages to get there first. One day Albert doesn’t go back to the farm, he hides and waits for Themba to leave so he can get to the watering hole first and surprise Themba. Albert sees that Themba is still there and is saddened by the realisation that Themba must be lonely.
Albert invites Themba to come and live with him on the farm with the other sheep and be part of his family. As this happens, the much-needed rain starts to fall. This is a lovely, fitting, ending to the story.
Two unlikely animals become the best of friends despite their diverse physical differences. This is yet another excellent story from the author that special bonds can form between two completely different species.
The rhyming is gentle and has a nice motion to it. I almost didn’t notice the rhyming because the story was so beautifully engaging.
Children will love the illustrations in The Elephant and the Sheep. They are delightfully simple and colourful. Both boys and girls will enjoy this wonderful friendship story from Patricia Furstenberg.
Reviewed by Jodie
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.com
About the Author
Patricia Furstenberg came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. She usually writes at her kitchen table, early morning while the kettle hums or in her car, while she waits for her children to come out from school. “When I write, I write,” she usually says. When she’s not writing she likes to read, listen to music, dance and bake.
One of the characters portrayed in her children stories is Pete, the yellow toy elephant. Not many know, but Pete exists and lives in Pat’s home.
This Romanian born writer is living happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Than you, Ladies!
Jodie, you made my day. Thrilled with your book review.
Kind regards,
Pat
I have re-blogged your wonderful reviw on my blog, here: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/your-reviews/
Thanks Pat. X